Embracing Neurodiversity! How PlayWorks Therapy, Inc. Supports Neurodivergent Children

 

Neurodiversity – An Overview

March 13th through March 19th, 2023 is Neurodiversity Celebration Week! The term neurodiversity refers to the diversity of human minds, including the infinite variation in neurodevelopment within our species. This concept shifts away from the medical model of pathology and towards a strengths-based perspective in which differences are valued. For further information on this topic, see the blog post entitled Neurodiversity Means Natural Variety in the Human Brain, written by Caroline Stevens, MS, OTR/L. 

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Neurodiversity Means Natural Variety in the Human Brain

 

In recent years, it has become more recognized that a shift in societal perspectives is necessary for true inclusion, specifically regarding (but not limited to) autism and ADHD. Historically, autism and ADHD have been pathologized to focus on the way areas for growth impair a person’s “normalness”, rather than the constructive ways that individuals use their unique strengths. Neurodiverse children and adults do experience difficulties related to living in a world that is not accommodating and understanding of differences. The neurodiversity movement does not seek to trivialize how challenging growing up neurodiverse can be, but rather help focus on building shared understanding of the value neurodiverse individuals have just as they are.

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Echolalia, Echolalia… What Do You Mean?

 

Like most things, the views on echolalia lie on a continuum. They range from considering its use non-functional, to tolerating it, to really accepting and celebrating it. We, as parents, caregivers, clinicians, and professionals, can facilitate further acceptance by understanding language learning differences, embracing echolalia, and educating others! 

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